Enabling RF Technologies for Spectrum Sharing

Spectrum sharing has the potential to significantly
increase spectrum utilization in underused spectrum by facilitating
shared access between primary/incumbent users and new
commercial and private wireless services and applications. The
citizen broadband radio service in the United States implements
a basic form of dynamic spectrum access and is an example
of spectrum sharing becoming a reality. Numerous and various
regulatory changes in other countries are soon to follow.
To make the most efficient use of spectrum in dynamic
spectrum access regimes requires transceivers with excellent
frequency agility, linearity, and selectivity, in order to opportunistically
exploit available spectrum, whilst reducing interference
and its impact. This article provides a brief overview of
recently introduced spectrum sharing regulations, and discusses
hardware requirements for current and future dynamic spectrum
access. Recent advances in relevant RF technology enablers
are presented, covering transmitter power amplifiers, multiband
receivers, self-interference cancellation, and reconfigurable
antennas.